Caramelized Fennel Leek Onion Gratin Recipes

CARAMELIZED FENNEL AND ONIONS - A SLOW, EASY MEDITERRANEAN SIDE

Steps:

• Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet uncovered over medium-high heat. Add the sliced fennel and onions and stir to coat. Stir occasionally, after 10 minutes sprinkle the vegetables with about a teaspoon salt. Lower the temperature to medium. You want the pan hot enough to get the caramelization going but not so much that the fennel and onions dry out. If that does happen, add a tablespoon or two of water.
• Stir occasionally, scraping up any bits that are on the bottom. The brown bits are the ones with the most flavor. Cook for another 30 minutes or up to an hour, depending on how impatient you are. The longer it cooks the more caramelized the onions and fennel become. Taste test along the way. The dish will have a lot of flavor and doesn't have to be cooked down all the way.
• When ready to serve, remove the pan from the heat, add in the grated Parmesan cheese, the chopped parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice, and black pepper.
• Sprinkle with slivered basil leaves, if desired. Or serve with the fennel fronds.
• Pan roasted fennel is excellent served with Italian sausages, pork chops, roast chicken, seafood, or on crostini. I can't think of anything that I wouldn't serve with it.

CARAMELIZED FENNEL, LEEK & ONION GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit)
• In a high speed blender add the drained cashews and almond milk and blend until completely smooth. Pour the mixture into a pot and add in the mustard, pepper, nutritional yeast (or parmesan) and stock. Leave to simmer for 5 minutes or so until the liquid begins to thicken. It should coat the back of a spoon. Stir in 1 tsp fresh thyme
• In a cast iron skillet heat the oil on medium heat and then add in the leeks, onion, fennel and garlic. Sprinkle with salt and leave to cook for 10 minutes, until they become soft, slightly caramelized and golden in colour.
• Pour the cashew cream into the skillet and stir through so that it coats all of the vegetables. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
• Before serving sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or thyme.